Fire ants are one of Florida’s most notorious pests, known for their painful stings, aggressive behavior, and rapid colony expansion. Originally from South America, they have spread across the southern U.S., thriving in Florida’s warm, humid climate.
This guide covers their nesting habits, life cycle, control methods, and first aid for stings to help you manage and eliminate fire ant infestations.
How Fire Ants Arrived in Florida
Fire ants were accidentally introduced to the U.S. in the 1930s through cargo ships docking in Mobile, Alabama. From there, they spread across the Southeast, where the warm climate, loose soil, and abundant food sources allowed them to thrive.
Due to their aggressive behavior and rapid reproduction, fire ants have outcompeted native ant species, becoming a significant pest in both urban and agricultural areas.
Fire Ant Life Cycle and Colony Structure
Fire ants undergo complete metamorphosis, progressing through four life stages:
- Egg – Hatches in about 7-10 days
- Larva – Fed by worker ants until development progresses
- Pupa – Begins forming adult characteristics
- Adult – Divided into worker ants, soldiers, and reproductive members
A single fire ant queen can lay up to 1,500 eggs per day, allowing colonies to grow quickly. Colonies typically contain 100,000 to 500,000 ants, though some supercolonies exceed a million ants.
Where Fire Ants Build Their Nests
Fire ants prefer open, sunny areas with loose, dry soil. Common nesting locations include:
- Lawns and backyards
- Pastures and agricultural fields
- Sidewalks and pavement cracks
- Electrical boxes and utility equipment
Their dome-shaped mounds range from a few inches to over a foot in height. Unlike other ant species, fire ant mounds do not have visible entry holes, as they rely on underground tunnels.
How Fire Ants Bite and Sting
Fire ants are highly territorial and attack in swarms when their nest is disturbed. They first bite to secure themselves, then repeatedly inject venom with their stinger.
Effects of Fire Ant Stings
- Burning sensation
- Red welts that develop into white pustules
- Severe allergic reactions in some individuals
Because fire ants attack in numbers, multiple stings can be particularly painful and dangerous, especially for those with allergies.
How to Identify Fire Ant Mounds
Signs of a fire ant nest:
- Dome-shaped mounds without visible openings
- Loose, finely granulated soil
- Mounds appearing suddenly, especially after heavy rain
- Varying sizes, sometimes reaching 18 inches high
Avoid disturbing these mounds, as fire ants will swarm and sting within seconds.
How to Get Rid of Fire Ants
1. Baiting Systems (Most Effective)
- Uses slow-acting poison disguised as food
- Worker ants carry the bait back to the colony, killing the queen
- Takes a few weeks but provides long-term control
2. Liquid and Granular Insecticides
- Direct application kills ants on contact
- Effective for treating individual mounds
- Often contains bifenthrin or permethrin
3. Professional Pest Control Treatments
- Identifies hidden mounds and prevents reinfestation
- Uses safe, targeted treatments
- Ideal for severe infestations
First Aid for Fire Ant Stings
If stung by fire ants, take these steps to reduce pain and swelling:
- Wash the sting site with soap and water
- Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling
- Use antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching
- Avoid scratching to prevent infection
Seek Medical Help If You Experience:
- Severe swelling or difficulty breathing
- A widespread allergic reaction
- Symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as throat swelling or dizziness
Interesting Facts About Fire Ants
- Fire ants first arrived in the U.S. in the 1930s via cargo ships from South America
- A queen can live up to seven years and lay 1,500 eggs daily
- Fire ants can survive floods by linking together to form floating rafts
- Their mounds have no visible entry holes, using underground tunnels instead
- Mounds can appear overnight, especially after rain
Protect Your Florida Home from Fire Ants
Fire ants are a persistent problem due to their aggressive nature, rapid reproduction, and painful stings.
If you notice fire ant mounds in your yard, use bait treatments or consult a pest control expert for safe removal.
Need Professional Help?
Professional pest control services can eliminate entire fire ant colonies and prevent future infestations.
Schedule an inspection today to protect your property from fire ants.
